Richard Etheridge, Pea Island Life-Savers, and The Pea Island Cookhouse Museum

Aug 19, 2022

The local history on the Outer Banks never ceases to amaze. One of the more inspirational stories is that of the Pea Island Life-Savers and Station 17. Mostly known for being the only All-Black rescue station, they famously saved every person on the E.S. Newman during hurricane conditions in 1896.

Throughout the year the Preservation Society offers presentations at the NC Aquarium (where Richard Etheridge is buried) on Roanoke Island. To find out when you can follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SurfmenHistory/ or go to https://www.peaislandpreservationsociety.com/. The speakers of the presentation are descendants of the Life-Savers and the talk is family friendly.

A few miles from the NC Aquarium is The Pea Island Cookhouse Museum which holds are variety of mementos saved from the Life-Saving Station. Some of the artifacts have been donated by descendants of the Life-Savers. Hours are limited and posted on the web site https://www.peaislandpreservationsociety.com/.

I was fortunate enough to sit in on the presentation and visit The Cookhouse on the same day which allowed me to stack the information learned. In addition, I couldn't help but think about a book I had read recently, The Waterman's Song, which chronicles the African-American's skills as coastal watermen. Once again, I highly recommend this book.

Best wishes, John Van Lunen

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Richard Etheridge, Pea Island Life-Savers, and The Pea Island Cookhouse Museum

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